Lesson 3 - Boundaries and Service Rules
Racquet Skills & Control
•Year 2
•Sending and Receiving
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How do boundaries help us play fair games together?
Learning Objectives
- To understand and apply basic service rules in net games
- To recognise when a ball is 'in' or 'out' of court boundaries
- To work collaboratively as a team to score points
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate understanding of court boundaries by correctly identifying 'in' and 'out' balls
- Students will apply basic service rules when starting rallies
- Students will show effective teamwork through communication and encouragement
Equipment & Resources Required
Place balls in container at side of each court
Alternative: Bean bags, soft play balls
Set at appropriate height for Year 2 (approximately 60cm)
Alternative: Cones with string, benches, masking tape line
Mark service areas and court boundaries clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines, masking tape, spots
Have ready for starter activity discussion
Alternative: Hand-drawn court diagram, interactive whiteboard image
Only use if children have prior racquet experience
Alternative: Hands only, padder bats, paper plates
Key Vocabulary
The lines that mark the edge of the playing area
The special area where the ball must land when starting a rally
The sequence of shots between teams from serve until a point is scored
The back line of the tennis court
The barrier that divides the court between the two teams
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of taking turns
- Simple game rules following
Current Skills
- Recognising court boundaries
- Basic service technique
- Team communication and cooperation
Next Steps
- Advanced serving techniques
- Tactical positioning in court games
- Complex boundary rules and scoring systems
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Boundaries create fairness and structure in games
- Service rules apply only to the start of each rally
- Accuracy is more important than power in throwing activities
- Teamwork requires communication and mutual support
- Rules help everyone enjoy the game and play safely
- Gentle, controlled movements lead to better accuracy
- Good sportsmanship means accepting decisions gracefully
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking service rules apply to every shot in a rally - clarify it's only the first shot
- Believing harder throws are always better - emphasise control and accuracy
- Assuming boundaries are just lines - explain they create fair play structure
- Thinking catching before the bounce is better - reinforce the 'one bounce' rule
- Believing individual skill is more important than teamwork - highlight collaborative success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundary expectations, immediate feedback and praise for attention
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Clear, predictable routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and high-contrast boundary markers, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for game starts/stops, demonstration-heavy teaching, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Adapted throwing techniques, seated playing positions available, modified court sizes and equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting points scored, measuring court distances, geometric shapes of court areas
Science
Forces in throwing, ball bounce and surface interaction, trajectory and angles
Geography
Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping court layouts
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and respect, managing emotions in competition
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location between courts for maximum visibility and quick access to all groups
Observation Focus
Watch for rule understanding, technique development, and positive team interactions
Intervention Points
Step in for rule clarifications, technique corrections, or social skill support
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for boundary and service demonstrations, involve children in demonstrations when possible
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Gentle and accurate!'
- •'Great teamwork!'
- •'Remember the bounce rule!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Multiple court areas minimum 15m x 8m each, clear boundaries between courts
Surface Check
Dry, even surface with clearly visible boundary markings
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Balls appropriate size and softness for Year 2
- •Nets at safe height (60cm) with no sharp edges
- •Boundary markers secure and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between children during movement activities
- •Tripping over balls or equipment
- •Disputes over boundary decisions
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries and movement paths established
- •Regular ball collection to prevent accumulation
- •Teacher as final arbiter of boundary decisions
- •Adequate spacing between courts and activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for oversight of all courts simultaneously
- •Monitor energy levels and competitive tensions
- •Ensure fair rotation and inclusion of all children
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation routes maintained